PLANS have been drawn up seeking permission to bulldoze a disused Methodist Church and build terraced properties in its place.
Plans for the construction of seven, parking and associated works following the demolition of the Sutton Methodist Church building, on New Street, Sutton.
Proposals have been submitted by applicants Space Design & Build Ltd.
A design and access statement in the plans by agents Cheshire Planning Solutions says: "This is a previously developed site, located to the north west of Sutton, within an urban area, surrounded by housing and is considered to be a sustainable location.
The application site comprises a relatively level parcel of land covering approximately 0.45 acres and includes a former Methodist church building and hall, with a gross internal area of approximately 283 m2 , along with a garden area and car park."
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Plans add that Sutton Methodist Church, built in the mid-20th century, has been vacant for more than 12 months and "little used for some considerable time".
It says: "The Church Trustees requested approval to cease worshipping in the building on July 20, 2022 due to being a small aging congregation which was no longer able to meet its Trustee responsibilities".
The document adds that most of the church's members moved to the United Reform Church, slightly more than one mile away where Methodists had been having joint services for some time.
It states: "No community organisation has expressed an interest in the building. Its state of repair would probably preclude such interest."
Explaining the proposed development, the statement adds: "The current building does not make efficient use of the site.
"As such, the proposal is to demolish the existing building and replace it with a terraced row of seven, two and a half storey dwellings.
"The houses will each comprise three bedrooms, with the master bedroom being within the roof space. The site is proposed to comprise a suitable site access, car parking, secure bicycle storage and private garden areas. Residents will have the facility to store waste bins within the rear gardens
"The layout of the proposed houses has been considered in order to reduce impact on the residents of neighbouring dwellings and ensure that suitable interface distances have been maintained."
The plans are on standard consultation to the public until Tuesday, April 23, with a decision on the application expected by May 14.
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